Problem 498 - Prealgebra

Question

Translate each phrase into math notation and then simplify. total of 15 and 50

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

15 + 50 = 65

Step 1: Identify the operation

The word 'total' suggests addition. So, we need to add the two numbers.

Step 2: Translate into math notation

Translate the phrase into an addition expression: 15 + 50

Step 3: Simplify the expression

Add the two numbers together: 15 + 50 = 65

Key Concepts

addition

Addition is one of the basic operations in mathematics. It involves combining two or more numbers to get a sum. When you encounter words like 'total', 'sum', 'increased by', or 'plus', they usually indicate that you need to perform addition.

For example, in the phrase 'total of 15 and 50', the word 'total' tells us to add the numbers 15 and 50. So, addition is the key operation here.

Understanding these keywords will help you quickly determine when to use addition in math problems. Next, let's see how to translate this phrase into a mathematical expression.

translation to math notation

Translating a word phrase into math notation involves identifying the numbers and operations described in words and writing them as a mathematical expression.

For the phrase 'total of 15 and 50', you start by recognizing the numbers: 15 and 50. Then, note the operation suggested by the word 'total', which is addition.

So, you translate the phrase into the mathematical expression:
\( 15 + 50 \)
It's that simple! This step transforms the verbal information into a form that can be easily manipulated using math rules.

Now, let’s move on to simplifying the expression.

simplifying expressions

Simplifying expressions is a crucial skill in mathematics that makes complex problems easier to solve. Once you have a mathematical expression, it's time to simplify it to find the answer.

In our example, we have the expression:
\( 15 + 50 \)

To simplify, you just perform the addition:
\( 15 + 50 = 65 \)

That's it! The simplified expression gives you the final answer. Knowing how to simplify expressions helps you solve problems quickly and efficiently. It’s a handy tool for making sure your math work is correct.